Rules, Roles and Responsibilities

An outline of the roles and responsibilities in accessibility arrangements concerning each main mode of transport.

In this section

This is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

A train going round the bend of concrete bridge with a hilly landscape with grass and trees in the background which is part of the Glenfinnach railway

Rail

Train Operators The Scotrail franchise is responsible for the majority of train services within Scotland. The current Scotrail franchise is operated by...

A close-up view of the back of someone wearing a pink hat and jacket sitting on the bus A close-up view of the back of someone wearing a pink hat and jacket sitting on the bus

Bus and Coach

Bus

Bus and Coach Operators Bus and coach operators must comply with rules about the accessibility of their service, over and...

An older women looking in a shop window holding an assistive walking device for support

Community Transport

Community Transport services in Scotland are mainly provided by voluntary organisations for people who are unable to use conventional public...

A close-up image at the railings of a ship looking through the fence at the side of the ship at the sea, there is an orange floatation device strapped to the fence.

Ferry

Ferry Accessibility Minimum design standards for safe and accessible ships are set by EU law, as are minimum standards of...

Taxi and Private Hire Cars

Taxi

Taxis can use taxi ranks and be hailed in the street, while private hire cars must be pre-booked. The latest...

A front view of a man and woman sitting on a bus smiling

Concessionary Travel

The Scottish Government is committed to providing concessionary travel for older and disabled people through the National Concessionary Free Bus Travel...

A close-up of someone pressing the button for the pedestrian lights at the side of a road

Roads and Streets

Roads & Streets

The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 governs the practice of roads authorities and others. Depending on the road, responsibility will usually lie...

A close-up view of a blue disabled parking space focusing on the disabled symbol

Driving and Parking

Car

Some disabled motorists will be entitled to a waiver from paying Vehicle Excise Duty from the UK Government, depending on...

A close-up of a suitcase on a bed packed with holiday things

Air

The framework for regulation of accessibility on air services is set at the EU level and includes a range of...

An aerial view of a roundabout in a suburban area to the right of the roundabout there are houses and to the left of the roundabout there is an open area of grass and some trees

Planning and Infrastructure

The planning system is used to make decisions about the future development and use of land in our towns, cities...

A view from behind of 4 people on a riverside path the person 2nd from the right is using a wheelchair and the rest are walking

Cross Modal

The Equality Act 2010 The Equality Act 2010 provides a broad legal framework covering discrimination against people with specific ‘protected characteristics’....